Pandemic impacting mental and physical wellbeing

The Coronavirus report dedicated to physical and mental health collected between 9-14th April, amongst 3.7k UK and US consumers, found that the crisis is taking a toll on our mental wellbeing as well as our diet and fitness.

The data, taken from 18-64 year olds, highlights the different mental health concerns between UK and US consumers that have been heightened since lockdown – such as anxiety, loneliness and stress – and how they are safeguarding their wellbeing.

Key findings include:

• The crisis is impacting consumers’ mental and physical wellbeing
• 54% of UK consumers claim their mental health has worsened during the crisis. Two thirds who shared concerns about their diet and fitness also reported worsening mental health
• Anxiety rises with age, most prevalent with 57-64 year olds (46%), with loneliness being a bigger issue right now during lockdown – nearly a third of consumers have expressed feelings
• The lockdown has led to less healthy lifestyles
• 30% of UK consumers are exercising and eating healthy foods less than normal during the pandemic, with a quarter noticing a reduction in the hours of sleep they’re getting
• The report also shows a direct link between mental health concerns and sleep patterns, with those worried about their mental health reporting the most reduction in their sleep as a result of the crisis (36% compared to 25% on average)
• Talking to loved ones is the best mental health remedy
• Looking for the support of friends and family is reported as the top way consumers are looking after their mental health while at home
• Taking up an activity and decluttering are other ways UK consumers are dealing with lockdown
• Consumers interested in Telehealth services to diagnose coronavirus
• 34% of UK consumers would consider using this technology to be screened for the virus, but US consumers were more interested (57%)
• Socio-economic inequalities are highlighted
• Concerns of the impact of COVID-19 amongst higher and lower earners, when it comes to becoming ill (44% vs. 67%) and being able to afford expenses (16% vs. 31%), show through within this report

GlobalWebIndex’s full report with all key findings.

Photo: Shyntartanya/Shutterstock.com